Review

Marco Bordogni
Melodious Etudes 1-20:

Arranged by Ran Whitley

Three tenor and one bass trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

In 2014 Ran Whitley published Melodious Counterparts, a well written collection of duet parts that coincide with book one of Melodious Etudes for Trombone. With this new publication Whitley adds an even more robust addition to this most revered of trombone texts. The nondescript title Melodious Etudes 1-20 for trombone quartet belies what is a remarkable collection of quartets—highly original compositions based upon the familiar strains of the Bordogni vocalises as edited by Joannes Rochut.

In each quartet the first trombone part contains the entirety of the original Melodious Etude, including the expressive markings. Parts two and three are skillfully woven around the original melody, sometimes echoing and at other times foreshadowing what is to come. The tessitura of the top three parts is roughly the same. Each part is filled with melodic interest, and the technical demands likewise are quite similar. Part four is intended for bass trombone. Although not without interest, it moves more slowly and primarily provides a harmonic foundation. Frequent low Cs and the occasional low BB necessitate a double-valve bass.

The quotation (attributed to many) most relevant to this review is, “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” My description hardly does justice to the quality of these works. This is Rochut/Bordogni reimagined! Whitley brings fresh musical insights into each quartet. Each stands alone as a beautifully inventive composition. Before starting the review, my initial prejudice was that a collection like this is unnecessary and superfluous. I was completely wrong. Students and professionals alike will derive great enjoyment and profit from their performance.